Ancient Art Of Masters

The origin and history of Martial Arts is a controversial issue. One can see signs of martial arts in Egyptian, Greek, African,Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, as well as other cultures.

The first fighting systems on earth probably evolved alongside humans because mankind must have always had a need to defend himself against animals, as well as against his fellow man. Ancient murals and sculptures show fighting poses from Egypt, India and Babylon dating from as far back as 5,000 years ago.

The martial arts as we know them probably did not evolve until systems of offensive and defensive skills were devised in or imported into China. There, in a country saturated with the spiritual teachings of Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism, these fighting skills were combined with intangible elements such as compassion, discipline and self-control.

Martial arts are thought to have originated in India and made their way through China and across the rest of Asia. Folklore recounts mythical creatures called Tengu who practiced martial arts and passed them on to humans.

Founders of martial arts who wanted to give their methods the aura of legitimacy would often claim that the Tengu had taught them the art. Legend says that Bodhidharma, the Buddhist monk who brought Zen to China from India, also brought the martial arts. There is a clear path leading from the Southern China regions up to Korea, Okinawa and Japan. The details before that, and the exact details of that transfer, are greatly debated by historians and Martial Artists alike.

Through various periods in history when weapons were outlawed, the martial arts prospered as the only means for a person to defend himself and his family. But even as more civilized times descended upon humanity, the arts survived. They managed to outlive their violent origins primarily because they teach man much more than fighting. The true martial arts stress character development, discipline and respect. Self-defense, physical fitness and competition are some of the other benefits which modern practitioners enjoy. The fact that the martial arts have had a chance to evolve into many different styles has allowed it to endure for so many centuries.

The "Teachers" Teacher

Master Fari's first introduction to martial arts was Judo at the age of 5.The 70's saw the Kung Fu series & his first ever visit to the movies; "The Man From Hong Kong". Various styles of Kung Fu were experienced but it was his meeting with Grandmaster Chang Woo Lee that would determine a whole new way of life.

Grandmaster Kun He Lee was the recognised teacher of Gransmaster Chang Woo Lee for both Teakowndo & Hapkido. There were a number of occasions where opportunities arose to receive instruction from the founder of Hapkido; Grandmaster Yong Sul Choi.

It was 1982 in Redfern Street Redfern where Mr Fari had his first meeting with Grandmaster Chang Woo Lee. So began the serious committment to martial arts that lead to a life long dream of becoming a professional martial artist.

The "Father of Modern Hapkido in Australia"

Master Fari has been credited with popularising hapkido in Australia.1993 saw Australia's first hapkido seminars that saw the largest gathering in its history. This was followed up with national advertising and articles that saw master Fari as the first hapkidoist to be featured on the cover of Australasian Taekwondo.

Since that time there have been a number of influential teachers that to this day still form a major part of his life including;

• Nick Nicholas - who became his pressure point & Modern Arnis teacher. Instrumental in introducing Master Fari to the likes of George Dillman & Prof.Wally Jay.
• Sam Gervasi - A great master & friend introducing him to the legendary "Purple Dragon" Prof.Don Jacobs.
• John B Will - A living legend in the Australian martial arts becoming the very first BJJ Black Belt in this country.He is Mr fari's head grappling teacher and Radix training mentor.
• Luke Pezzutti - Mixed Martial Arts No Rules Champion now my personal trainer & grappling partner for both BJJ & MMA.
• Mr Frank Shamrock - The "UFC No Rules" living legend is a close friend and mentor.
• Master Ernie Reyes - an idol and inspiration from the West Coast World Martial Arts Association.
• Master Fariborz Azhakh - America's most famous Hapkido Expert; a close friend & mentor.
• Mr Frank Silverman - Is the head of the world's largest Martial Arts Industry Association, is a close friend and mentor.
• Master Steve Stewart - Combat pressure points & knockout specialist,teacher & friend.
• Grandmaster Hwang,Duk Kyu - President of the Korea Hapkido Association teacher and technical advisor to Master Fari.
• Master Joe Ingrati - A close friend and Taekwondo Master.
• Mr Richard Norton - martial arts action movie star and Australian martial arts legend is a close friend and mentor.
• Tom Patire - Over 1 million people have completed his courses.His systems have enabled the masses to learn personal safety through specialised short courses.

Now as a testament to his commitment to the arts, students have achieved mastery levels as high as 5th degree under his instruction.

Martial Arts in the 21st Century

A thousand years of history: Our Foundation.
Dedication & committment: Our present.
Vision & Success: Our Future.

Past - Present - Future

KMA has kept the culture of traditional martial arts, those values and etiquette will never change.

There is a modern science in teaching methods as well as training methods. KMA will always keep abreast in order to bring out the very best in our students.

Last but not least KMA is proud to be able to combine the very best from the traditional martial arts and offer the new exciting styles such as XMA.